Sometimes I wonder how I survived childhood.
There were no childproof locks, or plugs for the electrical sockets.
We didn't have seat belts, air bags or special safety car seats.
We played on a concrete playground with steel monkey bars.
We played in the mud, drank out of hoses-remember the taste of water from the hose?
We walked everywhere-no fear of kidnapping, or perverts.
When we moved from D.C, to Maryland we discovered new exciting things.
Our house backed into Sligo Creek Parkway. We had to walk through a small stretch of woods-that led to a big hill then the creek.
One of the first things we learned from the neighborhood kids
sledding in the spring and summer.
First you find a big cardboard box-the kind that console televisions came in, or better yet a refrigerator one- much bigger and more to share,
We would tear of a big piece, hold it in front of our bodies,take a running start and dive down he hill with the cardboard as the sled.
Another great thing to do with a box-leave in shape, climb in and roll down the-we would get cuts and bruises-but never anything serious.
When we were tired of playing with the cardboard., we would head on down to the creek.
We need more creeks in this world.
Sligo creek was teeming with all sorts of aquatic life.
We would watch the water striders skim across the surface, we would catch minnows, crayfish, salamanders, and in early spring tadpoles and later frogs.
We never kept anything, it was the original catch and release.
However, sometimes we would find a box turtle and take it home for a few days.
When it was realy hot and were thirsty, we would scoop up a handful of creek water and drink, sometimes we would even stick our mouth in the creek and slurp.
We never got sick.
We would play in the woods, and eat wild mulberries and blackberries. We would uproot sassafras and chew on the root, and once we found a persimmon tree-only one in all the woods.
There was a lot of honeysuckle growing around, and we pick the flowers and try to suck the honey out of them. Sometimes, I think the fragrance of the flowers influenced the taste.
I never swallowed a bee and I never got sick from the honeysuckle.
We did a lot of dangerous things growing up and we survived,
Todays kids spend too much time in front of the computer, or on their cell phone.
They may never experience the joys of catching a frog, or wading through a creek. They will never know the thrill of rolling down a hill in a cardboard box.
But perhaps, they have an app for that.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
FAMILY
One reads of so many dysfunctional families , broken families, feuding families and it is so sad when you read about parents, and children and siblings, no longer talking to each other,not even a phone call or a card on special days. If you read the advice columns- you read about family members not attending weddings, anniversaries or other events because a certain family member might be at the same event.
What is wrong with these people? Most of the feuding is over something trivial-hurt feelings,something said in the heat of an arguement , or perhaps a parents giving money to one sibling who needs it, but to one who doesn't. There are so many stupid reasons that families feud or ignore each other and for what?
Granted there are serious issues in some cases, but the ones I read about or know about are trivial.
I consider myself blessed.My family gets along,we have all stayed in the Metro area, and whenever there is a crisis, we all share in dealing with the problem.
Recently because of the illness of my room mate, I've had to rely on my siblings more than usual.
They have there own families, and problems, but they found the time to help me through my recovery period, with cooking, cleaning, and other details. I am grateful for their help.Without them I would probably have to hire someone.
My parents were great parents-and their greatness, love, and concern for family has been passed on to my siblings and me. Judging from the actions of my nieces and nephews the tradition continues.
I wish to thank them all today .
As for everyone out there in the blog community, or Facebook or any other social network group-if you are feuding with your family or haven't talked to a family member in a while--pick up the phone and call them.It is time to grow up, act mature and mend fences. It is time to be an adult.
What is wrong with these people? Most of the feuding is over something trivial-hurt feelings,something said in the heat of an arguement , or perhaps a parents giving money to one sibling who needs it, but to one who doesn't. There are so many stupid reasons that families feud or ignore each other and for what?
Granted there are serious issues in some cases, but the ones I read about or know about are trivial.
I consider myself blessed.My family gets along,we have all stayed in the Metro area, and whenever there is a crisis, we all share in dealing with the problem.
Recently because of the illness of my room mate, I've had to rely on my siblings more than usual.
They have there own families, and problems, but they found the time to help me through my recovery period, with cooking, cleaning, and other details. I am grateful for their help.Without them I would probably have to hire someone.
My parents were great parents-and their greatness, love, and concern for family has been passed on to my siblings and me. Judging from the actions of my nieces and nephews the tradition continues.
I wish to thank them all today .
As for everyone out there in the blog community, or Facebook or any other social network group-if you are feuding with your family or haven't talked to a family member in a while--pick up the phone and call them.It is time to grow up, act mature and mend fences. It is time to be an adult.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
It's Only a Pear
I like all kinds of fruits-among my favorites are -watermelon.honeydew,Fuji apples, oranges (I like grapefruits, but it affects the medicine I take, so now I must avoid it), strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and pears. But not any pear, it has to be a bosc pear-not the red ones, the brownish, ugly ones-they are my favorites.
I can not explain why this type of pear satisfies my craving for something sweet. In most cases, a bowl of chocolate ice cream, or a Milano cookie or a Berger cookie will satisfy this craving, and yet if there is a bosc pear available I will go for the pear.
Now, I do not want the pear to be too ripe-it has to be hard, crunchy and cold.
The bosc pear is not a pretty fruit. It is brown, scarred, splotchy-it looks like it has been through a war of pears- but I do not care.
I raise the pear to my mouth and take a bite. The taste is cold and sweet, with a slight earthy taste. When I am done eating-only the stem and seeds are left.It is a taste that is so satisfying and yet my friends say" Bob, it is only a pear"
I know it is only a pear. But for a brief moment, as I am enjoying this ugly pear I find myself someplace else.
There are no people, no TV, no music, no noise except the crunch of my pear.
I sigh and I wonder how can such an ugly pear provide such a beautiful feeling.
I can not explain why this type of pear satisfies my craving for something sweet. In most cases, a bowl of chocolate ice cream, or a Milano cookie or a Berger cookie will satisfy this craving, and yet if there is a bosc pear available I will go for the pear.
Now, I do not want the pear to be too ripe-it has to be hard, crunchy and cold.
The bosc pear is not a pretty fruit. It is brown, scarred, splotchy-it looks like it has been through a war of pears- but I do not care.
I raise the pear to my mouth and take a bite. The taste is cold and sweet, with a slight earthy taste. When I am done eating-only the stem and seeds are left.It is a taste that is so satisfying and yet my friends say" Bob, it is only a pear"
I know it is only a pear. But for a brief moment, as I am enjoying this ugly pear I find myself someplace else.
There are no people, no TV, no music, no noise except the crunch of my pear.
I sigh and I wonder how can such an ugly pear provide such a beautiful feeling.
Monday, April 15, 2013
The Beauty of Americana Finnmark
Because of my health, I no longer am able to walk the grounds of Finnmark.The beauty of this great piece of property is a sight to behold. We have won a couple of awards for our landscaping. We also have living on our property some amazing gardeners.
These days I sit on my balcony and admire the courtyard and whatever else falls within my view.
If you have never walked the grounds during the spring and summer . you should do so. There are some really pretty sights- whether it is the natural beauty of our trees and shrubbery, or your neighbors patios and balconies.
I enjoy my balcony, for the privacy. When the tree in front of my balcony is in bloom, I am hidden from everyone and it is like my own private Eden. I can listen to the music, enjoy the sights and sounds of local wildlife, sip a Campari and soda, and admire the beauty of the trees and shrubs.
I have squirrels and chipmunks, scurrying around in the grass, numerous birds, butterflies and sometimes insects I do not recognize. Early in the morning I can see a family of rabbits, the occasional deer and soon ducks and Canadian geese.
Those of you who are mobile- and are able to get around- take a walk- admire the sights, say hello to a neighbor. Check out the courtyards, the patios and the balconies.
Enjoy the walk and enjoy the beauty that is Finnmark.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Remembering Christmas
Another multi-killing in the United States- but this time the victims were not adults or young adults-they were vey young children-ages 6-10.
It is tragic when adults or young adults die- but little children-it is beyond tragic and tears the life out of everyone who hears or reads about the incident.
I watched the new reports and my eyes fill with tears-so young- children who have not even started to experience what life is all about. So close to Christmas.
The parents have bought and wrapped the gifts, bought new film for the camera-ready to capture that magic momnent- the joy in their childrens eyes when they wake up and see the tree with all the lights and glitter and of course- the many wrapped gifts.
The camera will capture the smiles, the wide eyes and the laughter of the children- Pictures that the children will appreciate when they get older- the camera ,however does not show the happiness on the face of the parents.
If you go beyond the corny Christmas shows, the lights and glitter, one will realize that the best part of Christmas is the look on the childrens faces.
As adults we remember our own happy days and we wonder now as adults- how ould we have believed in something so silly as eight reindeer, pulling a sleigh with an elderly fat man, who travel over the world, climbing down chimmneys and leaving gifts- As silly as this sounds, and as much as we believe in telling our children the truth- we still lie about this idea-- and why-- because of what Christmas represents.
Beyond the gifts, and the joy it brings our children, it is also the celebration of the birth of the child of God- Jesus- the simple carpenter who preached unconditional love- sort of the love parents receive from their children.
Christmas is about honoring the teachings of Christ- the giving of ones self, the helping hand when someone is in trouble, the respect we show others- and we do this- not to hear the words "Thank you", we do it because it brings happiness to another
human who may be hurting- our reward- we feel good for our good deed- and we share the gratitude and happiness of the person helped.
With tragic loss this magic might fade- but it doesn't have to. If you have bought gifts, and wonder what to do- donate them to a charity(Toys for Tots etc.) and imagine the magic on the face of those children who will receive your gifts.
For the adults who do not have children, but still remember the magic of Christmas- go buy some gifts for a local charity and remember the magic.
To everyone- remember this day as the birth of Jesus- the Son of God- and remember the love that is given to us unconditionally.
Merry Christmas
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Why I am Voting For Romney
The Republican Convention is over and I am excited. No Republican convention has got me this excited since Reagans.
The past four years have been bad for millions of Americans.
When President Obama was elected the country was excited, people who never voted before cast their votes for a new and exciting era in politics--or so they thought.
Instead the people got higher unemployment, larger deficits, partisan politics, a health bill that will ruin this country with its high rates, taxes and regulations.
The Democrats and the liberal(progressive) media have been rude, nasty and arrogant.
As a Democrat I am ashamed of the antics of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi- I have never heard such hatred toward other people who disagree with you as these two dispense toward Republicans, conservative voters and
the media.
I can not support the nominee of the Democrats this year. .
I will cast my vote for the Republican nominee- Mitt Romney- not because of any lofty promises, but because of what he has done and will do.
Listen to Romney's speech from the convention.
Listen to what other people have said about Romney.
Read about his background.
Now ask yourself- Is this the man you want to lead this country.
You see- it is not about his promises.
It is not about his religion.
It is about the man himself.
He has devoted his life to providing for his family, and when he was done with this he devoted his life to helping others.
He served as Governor of Mass. for four years and took no salary- he reduced the defict in Mass., lowered unemployment and left the state with a surplus.
He took over the U.S. Olympics when it was faced with scandal and financial ruin- again- no pay and he made the U.S. Olympics something to be proud of.
He founded an investment group and helped make a number of companies successful(Staples, Home Depot) Granted some did not become succesful- but he did not use taxpayers money and overall he created jobs and saved many companies.
During all this time he gave his time to helping neighbors and co-workers in their time of need.
He has been successful in business , life with the public and life with his family.
Many people condemn his success- but in the real world everyone wants to be successful.
Listen to Romney and read some of his speeches. Read what others say about him.
Isnt this what people wish for- success- success in family, success in work, and success in your place in society.
Romney may not have all the answers- but we know that the current administartion have no new ideas and have exhausted all their other ones.
When I look at Romney- I see something more than a politician- I see someone who has achieved great things in his life.
I see something that people- no matter what age, gender, relgion, education , race or citizenship status-
hope for in their lives.
What I see is what people see when they come to this country, or they read about American history- I see someone that everyone aspires to be-
Successful,in life, for their family, and for the future.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Hey Romney!
Those who know me. know that I am a nice guy- I do not discriminate, I open my heart and mind to everyone- and try not to make enemies.
Those who want to know more- well here it is- I am a 61 year old white male Democrat, who is currently suffering from heart failure and a chronic lung condition that requires me to be on oxygen 24 hours a day.
Now that you know all this. I want to make a few comments on this years Presidential election.
The country is in bad shape- the Democrats had their chance and only made things worse- it is time for a change.
I will be voting for Mitt Romney this year and I will vote for Ken Timmerman for Congress,Bongino for Senate. But before I make that final decison I have something to say--"Hey Romney"!
What is your problem- stop being a nice guy and get mean. This current administration is fighting dirty, with lies and innuendos and I hear nothing from you or your PACS-
Well I may not know much about campaigning- but I do know this- if I was running for office,and my opponent wanted to fight dirty, he better be prepared- because I will come back at you hard and mean.
Wake up your staff, get them angry and get mean- talk about the failure of the past four years, talk about the arrogancy of the current crop of Democrtas and their elected officials-
We know you are a good guy, but come on Romney- it is time to put on the boxing gloves and fight back- Enough is Enough.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Campari, Bitter Lemon, Torremolinos
I am sitting on the balcony, sipping a Campari and bitter lemon.
In front of me is a small bowl of green olives, a plate consisting of some crostinis and manchego cheese.
It is hot, but the sight of the Mediterranean Sea promises an offer of a cool breeze.
Torremolinos is a busy resort town on the coast of Spain. The streets are full of tourists, some heading to work, others dressed for swimming and sunning.
I am looking forward to a walk along the beach later- maybe grab a cup of blood orange granita,, maybe a plate of ensalada russo, with a hard roll.
I will enjoy the sun, maybe a dip in the water- and head back to the hotel.
Maybe I will have another Campari and bitter lemon, take a cool shower followed by a nap.
The town gets very loud and busy at night. There is live gypsy flamenco music. the smell of grilled meats from the street vendors and vendors selling their wares.
For dinner-hmm- I am in the mood for a paella- I will have to ask the hotel manager for a good restaurant.
I pour myself another Campari drink-ahhh- so perfect for a hot afternoon in Torremolinos.
Someone shouts out my name- I open my eyes- I am slightly bewildered- I hear my name again-
"Bob-are you ok?
I look around, the beach is gone, the people are gone- and my neighbor is calling my name- I look down from the balcony--"Yeah I'm ok- I was just daydreaming".
Man, what happend.
Here I am- I am still at Americana Finnmark- did only two Campari and bitter lemon do this--
I look around-my neighbor heads off- do I still hear the gypsy music--
I pour myself another Campari and bitter lemon.
Friday, June 15, 2012
A Renaissance Man
My father was not the stereotypical father.
He worked over 30 years at a grocery store. He did not drive. He was not a big sports fan.He did not drink, smoke and seldom lost his temper.
He did speak two languages, wrote poetry and love letters to my mother, he sang, he danced and he loved the movies, broadway and award shows, and he was a good artist.
he did not become interested in baseball until he met the famous baseball pitcher Camilo Pascual- who shopped at the grocey store. They would talk about politics,(Pascual was from Cuba, my father was from Spain)
My brothers and I met Camilo Pascual one day when we went to pick my father up at work.
My father soon became a baseball fan-He took us to our first baseball game- and not knowing any better, walked down the aisles to the Senators dugout and shouted out Camilo's name.- Much to our surprised, Camilo came out, shook hands with my father and autographed our baseballs. It made our day and we thought our dad kinda special-he knew somebody famous
We attended a few more games over the years, and my father became somewhat of a baseball fan.
My father loved to read- and although he did not graduate from high school in this country, he knew American history better than most Americans.
We use to watch Jeopardy and he would whiz through the answers- he was really good with history and the arts and entertainment questions.
On his days off, he would go down to Georgetown with our neighbor George Psira, they would look for a nice location along the canal, set up their easels and paint-they were both very good painters-a trait I did not inherit.
He loved the holidays and made each one special, and filmed or photographed every
family get together-when he died there must have been over a thousand photgraphs of family and friends.
Award shows were a big deal for him- he loved showbusiness and always had dreams of becoming an actor-. Whenever there was an awards show on, he would buy fancy cheese and meats, crackers, sparking wine and make a big production of the evening- guessing the winners of the Oscars, Tony's or Emmy's. He made a point to see all the nominated movies during the year.
When I turned 18, he took me to see my first "racy movie". It was Gypsy- with Natalie Wood, Ethel Merman and Karl Mulden. It was pretty risque at the time and we had a great time.
There are so many great stories to tell about my father- and I could go on and on. But that will be for a later date.
I can only say, he died to soon, and he is greatly missed.
I have said it before and I will say it again- he came to this country to become a great actor- and instead he became a great father.
Happy Fathers Day Dad- we still miss you.
Friday, May 11, 2012
When Everyones Mom Was Your Mom
Growing up in the Silver Spring/Wheaton neighborhood 50 years ago was so much different from the neighborhood today.
We played football in the street- the telephone poles were the goal posts, the cars lined on the streets were the out of bound markers. Of course we played touch football- getting tackled on pavement would not have been very wise.
As in professional football we played in different venues- sometimes it was Tenbrook Drive, sometimes Helena Drive and sometimes Laredo Road.
The teams were different each time we played and occassionaly a bit of rough housing would take place.But no one got hurt, and no one held a grudge.
On every block that we played on,there would be someones mother who would provide sodas, and snacks- sometimes even lunch.
These same mothers would also be the teams mother- if you got hurt you did not go home you would go up the the block mothers home and she would treat you-- she would also scold you if you misbehaved and you would know that when you got home later that day- your real mother would be ready to give you another scolding.
I remember these mothers to this day- Mrs. Van Ness, Mrs. Boxall,Mrs. Leo,Mrs. Volz, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Leonard, Mrs Lycette, Mrs. Knapp, Mrs. Allison, Mrs. Psira and of course my mother.
Most of these mothers are now gone- but I still have great memories of their generosity and kindness.
I do not know how many families still practice this form of child rearing- most parents are caught up in their careers, children do not play in the street anymore and most children- if they do play sports play sports on their computers.
Those were the days of good neighbors, neighbors who watched out for each other and everyone was part of a big neighborhood family
I miss my mother and I miss the mothers of these neighborhood- People die, or move away and we gradually lose touch with our old neighborhoods and friends.
To all the friends from the neighborhood- and to all my friends- Remember you Mother this Mothers Day and remember how special she was- not just to your family but to the other kids in the neighborhood-
Happy Mothers Day Mom- you are in my heart and mind all the time-.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
My Father and the Oscars
This is Oscar time- Hollywoods salute to itself- the Academy Awards, or as they are called the Oscars.
There will be glitter, flash, red carpet, limos, movie stars. evening gowns by the top designers, and of course egos.
My father loved the Oscars. He grew up in Spain with dreams of coming to America and becoming an Academy Award winner, a great actor.
In Spain he did some radio shows. When Spain broke out into a civil war everything changed. His family became poor, and his father was executed.My father had to have half his stomach removed- the stress causing severe bleeding ulcers.
In 1949, he came to the United States- with the dreams of becoming a great Hollywood star.
Things did not quite work out the way he had hoped. He met a woman who was soon to become his wife, my mother, and soon found himself working as a waiter.
There were no English classes sponsored by the government in those days- so everynight he would get together with my mother and other co-workers and practice English.
He soon learned enough English that he was able to get a better job at the Grand Union.
In 1953 we moved to the D.C. Metropolitan area.
My father still had dreams of becoming a great actor, but with two kids and rent he had to put those dreams on hold.
He eventually got a job working at Giant Food, where he stayed for 30 years.
The Oscars were still a big deal to him, so every year around Oscar time, he and my mother would make a big production on Oscar night.
We would all gather around the coffee table, there were now 4 kids,where there would be a platter with Havarti, cheddar and swiss chees, Escort crackers, Cold Duck(an inexpensive champagne)and soda for the kids.
My father had a sheet of paper where he had made winning predictions on the Oscars the day before- it sort of reminded me of a person handicapping the horse races.
It was a great night and the look on my fathers face as the winners were announced, and he had guessed correctly was one of happiness.
These were great parties and they soon expanded into parties for the Emmys and the Tonys.
My father died at the age of 63. I am sure he was disappointed in not becoming a great actor- but I know that to his family and in his heart he knew he was a great father.
There will be glitter, flash, red carpet, limos, movie stars. evening gowns by the top designers, and of course egos.
My father loved the Oscars. He grew up in Spain with dreams of coming to America and becoming an Academy Award winner, a great actor.
In Spain he did some radio shows. When Spain broke out into a civil war everything changed. His family became poor, and his father was executed.My father had to have half his stomach removed- the stress causing severe bleeding ulcers.
In 1949, he came to the United States- with the dreams of becoming a great Hollywood star.
Things did not quite work out the way he had hoped. He met a woman who was soon to become his wife, my mother, and soon found himself working as a waiter.
There were no English classes sponsored by the government in those days- so everynight he would get together with my mother and other co-workers and practice English.
He soon learned enough English that he was able to get a better job at the Grand Union.
In 1953 we moved to the D.C. Metropolitan area.
My father still had dreams of becoming a great actor, but with two kids and rent he had to put those dreams on hold.
He eventually got a job working at Giant Food, where he stayed for 30 years.
The Oscars were still a big deal to him, so every year around Oscar time, he and my mother would make a big production on Oscar night.
We would all gather around the coffee table, there were now 4 kids,where there would be a platter with Havarti, cheddar and swiss chees, Escort crackers, Cold Duck(an inexpensive champagne)and soda for the kids.
My father had a sheet of paper where he had made winning predictions on the Oscars the day before- it sort of reminded me of a person handicapping the horse races.
It was a great night and the look on my fathers face as the winners were announced, and he had guessed correctly was one of happiness.
These were great parties and they soon expanded into parties for the Emmys and the Tonys.
My father died at the age of 63. I am sure he was disappointed in not becoming a great actor- but I know that to his family and in his heart he knew he was a great father.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Who are the 99%
So much talk and print about the 99% vs. the 1%.
But who are the 99%?
According to the media and the Occupiers .the 99% are those who make less than $200,000 per year.
The 99% are not the members of the Tea Party, The 99% according to most people, are people like me.
You know the one- we work 40 hours a week, raise a family, obey the tax laws, drive moderately priced cars- you know people like you me- .
But I have a problem--100% of my friends are not pigs.
We don't live among filth and rats. We do not pee or poop in public.
We repect our fellow human beings.
We take baths.
We work eveyday.
We work everyday-trying to make ends meet.
We do not have time to camp out for months at a time.
We do not have time to destroy public property.
We have bills to pay, families to support.
If any of my friends ever came to my house and behaved like the Occupiers- I would throw them out.
I may not be wealthy like the 1%- but I rather be with them than the 99% of the pigs that have no repect for people or the law.
But who are the 99%?
According to the media and the Occupiers .the 99% are those who make less than $200,000 per year.
The 99% are not the members of the Tea Party, The 99% according to most people, are people like me.
You know the one- we work 40 hours a week, raise a family, obey the tax laws, drive moderately priced cars- you know people like you me- .
But I have a problem--100% of my friends are not pigs.
We don't live among filth and rats. We do not pee or poop in public.
We repect our fellow human beings.
We take baths.
We work eveyday.
We work everyday-trying to make ends meet.
We do not have time to camp out for months at a time.
We do not have time to destroy public property.
We have bills to pay, families to support.
If any of my friends ever came to my house and behaved like the Occupiers- I would throw them out.
I may not be wealthy like the 1%- but I rather be with them than the 99% of the pigs that have no repect for people or the law.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Middle Class
The democrats, republicans, and the talking media suits are constantly talking about the middle class and then they reference postal people, teachers, firemen, police, as if these are the only middle class
workers in the country.
Well wake up America, wake up elected officials--what about the grocery store employees, or other retail employees,-how about waiters and waitresses, or truck drivers, plumbers, and other construction workers-and there are plenty more out there.
You better wake up you low-life politicians-you spend a lot of time trying to bail out and keep employed the public union sectors- but what about the rest of us-- ???
Are you aware that if the Canadian pipeline is approved it would provide over 10,000 jobs many of them paying $60,000 or more??
Are you aware that if the corporate tax were to be
lowered to 5%, unemployment would drop?
Are you aware that if you would repeal most of the paperwork required to start a business unemployment would drop?
Are you aware that if you were to repeal Obama Care
unemployment would drop?
Are you aware of anything besides the public sector unions, lobbyists and the next election?
workers in the country.
Well wake up America, wake up elected officials--what about the grocery store employees, or other retail employees,-how about waiters and waitresses, or truck drivers, plumbers, and other construction workers-and there are plenty more out there.
You better wake up you low-life politicians-you spend a lot of time trying to bail out and keep employed the public union sectors- but what about the rest of us-- ???
Are you aware that if the Canadian pipeline is approved it would provide over 10,000 jobs many of them paying $60,000 or more??
Are you aware that if the corporate tax were to be
lowered to 5%, unemployment would drop?
Are you aware that if you would repeal most of the paperwork required to start a business unemployment would drop?
Are you aware that if you were to repeal Obama Care
unemployment would drop?
Are you aware of anything besides the public sector unions, lobbyists and the next election?
Monday, December 26, 2011
Hard rolls, butter and hot chocolate.
As the New year approaches, and after numerous visits to the hospital the past 6 months, I start to recall all the great times I had in my younger days.
One of my favorite memories, occurred when my family lived in Washington D.C. in Brentwood Village.
My grandparents lived on Kilbourne St, near Adams Morgan.
Every Saturday, my grandmother would go to Hellers Bakery, buy some hard rolls,and some cinnamon twist donuts , hop the bus and pay us a visit.
Although the donuts were good, what I loved the most was a hard roll, slathered with butter, and a mug of hot chocolate to dunk in-it was Heaven on Earth.
Sometimes my Aunt Carmen would stop by.
She would go to Mancusos, a nearby Italian Store and pick up some salami, provolone, capicola, tomatoes and a loaf of bread- a most excellent Saturday afternoon lunch.
Later the kids would go out to play and the adults
would spend the afternoon talking about the old days in Atlantic City and other subjects.
Those were the days of an era long gone but never forgottened.
It is good to have memories, for as long as we have memories our past can be relived, and it great to have family to remind you of the some of the good times that we may have forgotten.
One of my favorite memories, occurred when my family lived in Washington D.C. in Brentwood Village.
My grandparents lived on Kilbourne St, near Adams Morgan.
Every Saturday, my grandmother would go to Hellers Bakery, buy some hard rolls,and some cinnamon twist donuts , hop the bus and pay us a visit.
Although the donuts were good, what I loved the most was a hard roll, slathered with butter, and a mug of hot chocolate to dunk in-it was Heaven on Earth.
Sometimes my Aunt Carmen would stop by.
She would go to Mancusos, a nearby Italian Store and pick up some salami, provolone, capicola, tomatoes and a loaf of bread- a most excellent Saturday afternoon lunch.
Later the kids would go out to play and the adults
would spend the afternoon talking about the old days in Atlantic City and other subjects.
Those were the days of an era long gone but never forgottened.
It is good to have memories, for as long as we have memories our past can be relived, and it great to have family to remind you of the some of the good times that we may have forgotten.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Atheist, Thanksgiving, Christmas
I have a number of atheist friends. They are opposed to the displays of the Ten Commandments in public buildings, manger displays in public spaces and the words "In God We Trust" on our coins.
Yet, when it comes to the celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas, they are fixing big meals for the family, and on Black Friday they are standing in line to buy gifts for Christmas.
If they are truly atheist, shouldn't they ignore these days and treat them as any other day.
Or are they playing the odds. Do they think that by celebrating these Christian Holidays they might just have something positive to show St. Peter when they get to the Pearly Gates.
Someone is being hypocritical. What are they going to do on Easter??
Yet, when it comes to the celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas, they are fixing big meals for the family, and on Black Friday they are standing in line to buy gifts for Christmas.
If they are truly atheist, shouldn't they ignore these days and treat them as any other day.
Or are they playing the odds. Do they think that by celebrating these Christian Holidays they might just have something positive to show St. Peter when they get to the Pearly Gates.
Someone is being hypocritical. What are they going to do on Easter??
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Knuckleheads in Egypt
Why do foolish Americans go to dangerous areas of the world to hike, or go to school, or visit ancient art and relics?
Previously we had the female who was kidnapped by the North Koreans, then we had three idiots who could not find any place to hike in the United States, so they decided to hike in Iraq and ended up prisoners in Iran, and now we have three knucklehead Americans who were captured by the Egyptian police for throwing bombs .
One would think that if you are attending a school in a foreign country and riots break out and the government falls it would be time to leave.
If you are in a country with Islamic leanings, and a bad record of human rights and that treats Christians as second class citizens- you should not be there in the first place.
Listen up all you knuckleheaded Americans- GET OUT NOW!!
Previously we had the female who was kidnapped by the North Koreans, then we had three idiots who could not find any place to hike in the United States, so they decided to hike in Iraq and ended up prisoners in Iran, and now we have three knucklehead Americans who were captured by the Egyptian police for throwing bombs .
One would think that if you are attending a school in a foreign country and riots break out and the government falls it would be time to leave.
If you are in a country with Islamic leanings, and a bad record of human rights and that treats Christians as second class citizens- you should not be there in the first place.
Listen up all you knuckleheaded Americans- GET OUT NOW!!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Occupy and media bias
The dirty animals of Occupy who are turning the New York piece of parkland into a shit hole- are occupying the space illegally. They do not have a permit, tents aere illegal, grills are illegal and shitting and pissing in public is illegal.
yet the city allows this to occur.
About a year ago a group of residents sought a permit to gather at the same piece of land and protest the building of a Mosque close to the 9/11 location.
They were denied the permit.
Yet Mayor Bloomberg, the Idiot, allows these Occuping Pigs to do what they want-- where is the bias- the media will not report this and the politicians are such moral cowards they keep their mouths shut.
It is a shameful thing.
yet the city allows this to occur.
About a year ago a group of residents sought a permit to gather at the same piece of land and protest the building of a Mosque close to the 9/11 location.
They were denied the permit.
Yet Mayor Bloomberg, the Idiot, allows these Occuping Pigs to do what they want-- where is the bias- the media will not report this and the politicians are such moral cowards they keep their mouths shut.
It is a shameful thing.
Electric Cars
I do not understand the concept of electric cars.
They get terrible mileage, they cost too much, and you have to plug them in to recharge the battery- which by the way is very expensive.
Is it a clean energy thing- well most of the electricity in this country is created from the burning of coal.- I am not opposed to coal burning, but, if everyone started using electric cars, more coal will have to be mined and burned.
If you have an electric car- imagine what your electric bill will look like when you put a car charger in your garage.
What if the whole neighborhood has electric cars, and they all plug their car in at night to recharge- can you imagine the power surge- can you imagine the blackouts when all this electricity is used at once and the grid is overloaded.
Speaking of blackouts, what if there is a blackout- how wil you charge your car- you will have to convert to the gas mode if you have a hybrid.
In Montgomery County, many of our buses and county cars are run on natural gas- good mileage, clean burning- and this country has so much natural gas that we can say good buy to the towel heads and tell them to keep their oil.
Since we will be burning less coal- we can sell the surplus to other countries. Since we will save on oil, and if our elected officials were smart we would drill for our own oil which we have plenty of- we can sell that surplus to other countries and maybe even at a cheaper price than OPEC sells it for.
Speaking of drilling our own oil- do you know the Chinese are drilling for oil 60 miles off of the Florida coast- Obama and the liberals will not allow American oil companies to drill. but do nothing to stop China from doing so- and guess what- if there is an oil spill- and it pollutes the Florida coastline- do you really think the Chinese will fund the cleanup.??
Do you really think the Chinese give a damn if they pollute our waters and kill off all water fowl and fish??
I do not think so!!
So the hell with the eletric car-- lets go natural>
They get terrible mileage, they cost too much, and you have to plug them in to recharge the battery- which by the way is very expensive.
Is it a clean energy thing- well most of the electricity in this country is created from the burning of coal.- I am not opposed to coal burning, but, if everyone started using electric cars, more coal will have to be mined and burned.
If you have an electric car- imagine what your electric bill will look like when you put a car charger in your garage.
What if the whole neighborhood has electric cars, and they all plug their car in at night to recharge- can you imagine the power surge- can you imagine the blackouts when all this electricity is used at once and the grid is overloaded.
Speaking of blackouts, what if there is a blackout- how wil you charge your car- you will have to convert to the gas mode if you have a hybrid.
In Montgomery County, many of our buses and county cars are run on natural gas- good mileage, clean burning- and this country has so much natural gas that we can say good buy to the towel heads and tell them to keep their oil.
Since we will be burning less coal- we can sell the surplus to other countries. Since we will save on oil, and if our elected officials were smart we would drill for our own oil which we have plenty of- we can sell that surplus to other countries and maybe even at a cheaper price than OPEC sells it for.
Speaking of drilling our own oil- do you know the Chinese are drilling for oil 60 miles off of the Florida coast- Obama and the liberals will not allow American oil companies to drill. but do nothing to stop China from doing so- and guess what- if there is an oil spill- and it pollutes the Florida coastline- do you really think the Chinese will fund the cleanup.??
Do you really think the Chinese give a damn if they pollute our waters and kill off all water fowl and fish??
I do not think so!!
So the hell with the eletric car-- lets go natural>
Labels:
alternative energy,
electric cars,
natural gas cars
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Where is the media?
I am not a Rick Perry supporter- but he has a memory slip and the media is all over him- making fun of him, portraying him as an ignorant boob--yet--Obama our President- recently made the announcement that he was happy to be in Asia- hmmm- he happend to be in Hawaii his birth state- since when did Hawaii become a part of Asia-
this is the same man who thinks we have 57 states, that Austrians speak Austrian, doesn't know what a pun is, and cannot pronounce corpsman(he pronounced it corpseman.
Where is the media and their jokes about Obama.
The closest the media comes to making jokes about the White House is poking fun at the Vice President- I guess if you are Black and Liberal you are above criticism.
this is the same man who thinks we have 57 states, that Austrians speak Austrian, doesn't know what a pun is, and cannot pronounce corpsman(he pronounced it corpseman.
Where is the media and their jokes about Obama.
The closest the media comes to making jokes about the White House is poking fun at the Vice President- I guess if you are Black and Liberal you are above criticism.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Go Home- The People Are Tired of You
Ok you Occupiers- it is time to go home- You did your thing- you made your point now you are losing support- go home- clean up your mess- replant the grass, repair any damage you may have caused- go home.
The bad elements of your group are starting to act stupid-they are rude- destructive and self-centered-
The people are tired of you- they want their parks back- the stores and vendors that you are preventing from running their business are losing
money-many have been kind to you- they gave you food, you have used their bathrooms, and now you have overstayed your welcome- GO HOME!!
The bad elements of your group are starting to act stupid-they are rude- destructive and self-centered-
The people are tired of you- they want their parks back- the stores and vendors that you are preventing from running their business are losing
money-many have been kind to you- they gave you food, you have used their bathrooms, and now you have overstayed your welcome- GO HOME!!
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